as in red lights
something that tells of approaching danger or risk
the résumé she accidentally left on the office printer was a red flag that she was planning to quit
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Recent Examples of red flags
The transfer raised some red flags for the senator, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
—
Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
In a 2024 study, scientists taped red flags taped to crickets’ hind legs to imitate the matador bugs and see how predatory birds responded.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
These red flags are not evidence of inevitable failure.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The goal is to exercise in ways that feel challenging but manageable, not to push through red flags.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
As an employee, recognizing the red flags early is critical to protect both your mental health and career growth.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025
With this knowledge, CR decided to test several popular toddler towers themselves to alert caregivers to any safety red flags.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025
There weren’t any immediate red flags in the months leading up to the start of school, but on the first day fellow teachers told her about one student’s severe behavioral issues.
—IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent polling of the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races signals red flags for Republicans, who are hoping to eke out victories in November despite both states' Democratic leanings.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
In a 2024 study, scientists taped red flags taped to crickets’ hind legs to imitate the matador bugs and see how predatory birds responded.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
These red flags are not evidence of inevitable failure.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The goal is to exercise in ways that feel challenging but manageable, not to push through red flags.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
As an employee, recognizing the red flags early is critical to protect both your mental health and career growth.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025
With this knowledge, CR decided to test several popular toddler towers themselves to alert caregivers to any safety red flags.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025
There weren’t any immediate red flags in the months leading up to the start of school, but on the first day fellow teachers told her about one student’s severe behavioral issues.
—IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent polling of the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races signals red flags for Republicans, who are hoping to eke out victories in November despite both states' Democratic leanings.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for red flags
Noun
-
If drivers don’t stop for red lights or stop signs, changing the speed of a sign will not matter!—
Letters To The Editor,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Sep. 2025
-
That interaction produces the green and red lights.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The entire shoreline is under high swim risk warnings, and advisories for boaters and mariners.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Investors flocked to bonds because of signs of a slowdown in the labor market.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
-
On the flip side, secrecy triggers hypervigilance, where one partner obsessively scans for signs of deception or hidden threats, and naturally so given the suspicious nature of the matter.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Red flags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/red%20flags. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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